Middle Back Pain Causes & Treatment

Middle back pain can be truly debilitating. Whether it is a chronic condition or strikes suddenly, it can seriously restrict movement and affect one’s quality of life. There are many sources of middle back pain as well as remedies. It is important to have a firm understanding of the condition itself in order to address the problem.

What causes middle back pain?

Middle back pain affects the area of the back referred to as the thoracic region. The pain can be present while lying down, standing, or moving.
Many factors can be at the root of the pain, including poor posture, an injury, strain, or other internal conditions that can have an impact on the spine. It can be characterized as a stiffness or dull ache that is persistent in the mid region of the back and makes freedom of movement difficult. However, the pain can also be an intense, stabbing sensation that steals one’s breath away and causes agony.

Many victims of middle back pain will describe it as a chronic condition that is aggravated from long periods in a sitting position or when they are on their feet for extended periods of time.

Causes of middle back pain vary in each individual case, but can result from:

Strain to the tendons, ligaments, or muscles in the mid region of the back

A fracture in the mid region of the back

Arthritis

Inflammation in the mid region of the back

Misalignment of the upper or lower spine

A problem with the ribs

Being overweight

Pain in the middle back that strikes while bending over or when coughing could be the result of a herniated disc. Middle back pain that originates in the left side could be the result of a kidney condition, muscle imbalance, or inflammation of the sacroiliac joint which connects the spine and pelvis. Middle back pain that originates in the right side could be caused by problems with the gall bladder. Even bladder issues, from a bladder infection to a prolapsed bladder, could actually cause referred pain in the middle back. Women are especially prone to problems with their internal organs that can manifest themselves in the form of middle back pain. Men and women alike should pay close attention to their bodies to determine of their middle back pain is actually an indication of a serious problem, such as severe infections, organ disorders, or lung cancer.

What are symptoms of concern related to middle back pain?

Anyone who has suffered from middle back pain would agree that it is an unpleasant experience and are likely to try a variety of remedies in order to find relief or a cure for the pain. However, one should seek medical attention when certain symptoms send up a warning flag.

These symptoms could indicate a serious, underlying condition:

Pain during rest

Pain that continues to worsen over time

Pain that does not respond to any kind of treatment

Pain that is accompanied with breathing difficulties

Pain accompanied by a persistent cough

Numbness in the extremities

Pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss

Back pain accompanied by a burning during urination

Pain accompanied with the inability to control one’s bowels or bladder

Back pain accompanied with abdominal pain

Regardless of the type of middle back pain that is experienced, if the pain persists and does not respond to any type of remedy, it is highly recommended to see a doctor. If one physician cannot provide any assistance, seek additional opinions until someone gets to the root of the problem. Pain that is left unaddressed is likely to result in more complications in the future.

What can treat middle back pain?

There are many possible remedies to address middle back pain. Many individuals experience success simply by practicing good posture, using shoes with the proper support, and moving more frequently to avoid the problems associated with inactivity. For those who are overweight, beginning a weight loss regimen can actually cure the pain as pressure is relieved on the middle region of the back.

How to treat your mid-back pain

Stretching is another common approach when it comes to remedies for middle back pain, or any type of back pain for that matter. Yoga is a popular alternative that has provided relief for many victims of back pain. This form of exercise involves thorough and intense stretching of every part of the body. It can correct issues that involve muscle strain or misalignment. Specific exercises designed to treat the middle back are helpful as well. They may involve twisting in a particular way, bending the body, or lifting weights to correct the problem. Many individuals rely on the services of a chiropractor to return the spine to proper alignment, in essence stretching the body to get the desired results.

Yoga for Middle Back Pain

Medications are often helpful when it comes to middle back pain as well. There are many over the counter varieties that can relieve pain. In more serious conditions, the doctor may advise prescription-strength pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication. Steroid injections are often used, particularly in cases that involve inflammation.

In addition to traditional forms of treatment for middle back pain relief, many turn to alternative medicine and holistic options, such as massage therapy and acupuncture. Those who are wary of medication may attempt to find relief through the application of heat, soaking in a hot bath, and the use of a massage chair or pad.

In some cases, surgery will be the only remedy that will cure middle back pain. This can only determined by a doctor and may be necessary to correct underlying problems. Severe kidney problems, gall bladder attacks, lung cancer, fractures, and herniated discs name a few of the potential conditions that may result in surgical measures. It is important to take middle back pain seriously. Explore all avenues in order to understand the cause of the pain and find relief. If the first doctor cannot provide answers, continue to seek advice until a solution is found. The source of the pain needs to be identified so that serious complications can be avoided.

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